MSK Prasad appointed team director of Venice Livewires in Italia T10 League
Synopsis
MSK Prasad, who oversaw India's historic first Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win in Australia, is taking his cricket acumen to Europe — as team director of Venice Livewires in the Italia T10 League. With James Anderson, Shaun Marsh, Chris Gayle and Dawid Malan also involved, the six-team November tournament is shaping up as a serious showcase for cricket's European frontier.
Key Takeaways
MSK Prasad has been appointed team director of Venice Livewires in the Italia T10 League .
The six-team competition runs from 18 to 29 November at the Roma Cricket Ground .
Prasad served as India's chief selector from 2016 to 2020 , overseeing India's first Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win in Australia (2018/19) .
He will work alongside executive director TNR Mohit and MD Arvind Tadakamalla .
Other notable signings include James Anderson (Napoli Knights), Shaun Marsh (Milan Icons), and reportedly Chris Gayle and Dawid Malan .
Former India men's chief selector MSK Prasad has been appointed as team director of Venice Livewires, a franchise competing in the upcoming Italia T10 League. The six-team tournament is scheduled to run from 18 to 29 November at the Roma Cricket Ground, marking a significant addition of Indian cricket expertise to the growing European cricket circuit.
What the Role Involves
According to the franchise, Prasad's appointment is expected to strengthen Venice Livewires' cricket operations by leveraging his experience in international cricket, player selection, talent identification, and administration. He will work alongside TNR Mohit, the franchise's executive director, who previously captained Doiwala Kings and owns Nainital Tigers. The franchise's leadership group also includes Arvind Tadakamalla, managing director of Livewires Advertising Private Limited.
Prasad's Vision for Cricket in Italy
'I look forward to being part of Venice Livewires and contributing to the growth of cricket in Italy. Grassroots development is essential for building a strong cricketing ecosystem, and I am excited to work towards identifying local talent, encouraging young cricketers and helping the sport grow at the grassroots level. Italia T10 presents an exciting platform to bring international cricketing experience together with local talent,' Prasad said in a statement by the franchise on Thursday.
Prasad's Cricket Career and Administrative Record
As a player, Prasad represented India in six Tests and 17 ODIs. His administrative career saw him serve as chairman of the senior men's selection committee from 2016 to 2020. During his tenure, India claimed its first-ever Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win in Australia in 2018/19, reached the final of the 2017 Men's Champions Trophy, and made the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup. More recently, he served as Strategic Consultant and Director of Talent Search and Academies at Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants.
Star-Studded Competition Taking Shape
The Italia T10 League is attracting considerable cricketing firepower ahead of its November launch. Former Australia batter Shaun Marsh has signed up for Milan Icons, while former England fast bowling great James Anderson has been named co-owner and captain of Napoli Knights. High-profile players including Chris Gayle and Dawid Malan are also reportedly expected to feature, given their status as Italy senior men's team members who played in the T20 World Cup held in India this year. The competition looks set to put Italian cricket on the global T10 map, with a blend of international experience and emerging local talent at its core.
Point of View
Filling gaps where national boards cannot reach. Italia T10's roster of Anderson, Marsh, Gayle and Malan suggests serious investment in legitimacy, not just novelty. The deeper question is whether these marquee appointments translate into sustainable grassroots infrastructure in Europe, or whether the league remains a high-profile showcase that fades after the final whistle. Italy qualifying for the T20 World Cup demonstrates real cricketing ambition; whether a franchise model accelerates that or simply borrows its credibility remains to be seen.
NationPress
29 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is MSK Prasad and what is his cricket background?
MSK Prasad is a former India wicketkeeper-batter who represented the country in six Tests and 17 ODIs. He later served as chairman of the senior men's selection committee from 2016 to 2020, during which India won its first Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia and reached the 2017 Champions Trophy final.
What is the Italia T10 League and when does it take place?
The Italia T10 League is a six-team franchise cricket tournament to be held in Italy from 18 to 29 November at the Roma Cricket Ground. It features international cricket stars alongside local Italian talent.
What will MSK Prasad do as team director of Venice Livewires?
Prasad will oversee cricket operations, talent identification, and grassroots development for Venice Livewires. He will work alongside executive director TNR Mohit and managing director Arvind Tadakamalla to grow the franchise and support cricket's development in Italy.
Which other international cricketers are involved in the Italia T10 League?
Former England fast bowler James Anderson has been named co-owner and captain of Napoli Knights, while former Australia batter Shaun Marsh has signed with Milan Icons. Chris Gayle and Dawid Malan are also reportedly expected to participate, as both are Italy senior men's team members.
What other cricket roles has MSK Prasad held since retiring as a player?
After his playing career, Prasad served as India's chief selector before taking on a role as Strategic Consultant and Director of Talent Search and Academies at IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants. His appointment at Venice Livewires is his latest post-selection assignment.
